Indian badminton legend Saina Nehwal, known for her pioneering achievements in women’s badminton, has hinted at retirement due to a persistent knee injury and arthritis. The 34-year-old shuttler has struggled with her knee since 2016 and admits that her body can no longer withstand the demands of professional badminton. Saina, a bronze medalist at the 2012 London Olympics, reflects on her illustrious career and the difficult decision of saying goodbye to the sport.
Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal has revealed she is battling arthritis, forcing her to consider retirement by the end of the year. The former Olympic bronze medalist, who was the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in badminton, has struggled with injuries and acknowledges her career is in its final stages. She admitted that the pain and limitations caused by the arthritis make it impossible to train the usual hours needed to compete at the highest level.
Saina Nehwal, a badminton icon and three-time Olympian, has sparked controversy with a recent admission on a podcast. She confessed to not knowing about the javelin throw event in athletics until Neeraj Chopra won Olympic gold in 2021, despite her multiple appearances at global multidisciplinary events. This comment has been met with shock and disbelief, as Neeraj Chopra had already achieved significant success before his Olympic triumph.
India’s badminton star Saina Nehwal, now a politician, lamented the lack of support for sports other than cricket. She pointed out the disparity in facilities and funding, highlighting the need for equal opportunities for all athletes to achieve Olympic glory.
President Droupadi Murmu engaged in a friendly badminton match with renowned shuttler Saina Nehwal at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President also unveiled the prestigious Durand Cup trophy, marking the start of the 133rd edition of the football tournament. President Murmu emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and healthy competition, urging football enthusiasts to contribute to elevating the sport in India.
Former Olympic bronze medalist Saina Nehwal has expressed confidence in PV Sindhu’s ability to secure a medal at the Paris Olympics, emphasizing the importance of fitness and training. Despite recent inconsistent results, Saina believes Sindhu’s experience and proven track record make her a strong contender. Saina also discussed the challenges facing India’s badminton contingent, including the men’s singles and doubles events, while providing insights on her own ongoing recovery from a knee injury.
